“This new system is going to make a noticeable difference for everyone who attends an event or convention at the San Diego Convention Center,” said Julia Slocombe, Vice President of Western Region Operations for Smart City Networks. “This was a massive upgrade, but it reiterates our commitment to deliver exceptional experiences through technology and San Diego’s commitment to be one of the leading meeting and convention destinations in the world.”

The installation of the DAS system, which was completed this month, involved plotting and installing hundreds of miniature antennas at secure points throughout the Convention Center that connect to the networks of different cellular carriers, which include AT&T and T-Mobile. The DAS reduces gaps in coverage created by steel or concrete pillars, isolated niches, and other architectural features that disrupt the signal between the phone and the devices receiving the messages. The result is the elimination of dead spots and improved reliability of the network.

As part of the DAS improvements, Smart City also installed a two-way radio system throughout the Convention Center that allows communication anywhere in the facility.

“Not only does this improve the convention experience for the people who attend events at our facility, but we’ve been able to improve our own internal communications to provide a higher level of support to our clients,” said Karen Totaro, Executive Vice President & General Manager of the San Diego Convention Center.

In total, the entire implementation took just over two years.

“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of everyone involved,” said David Langford, Vice President of Technology for Smart City Networks. “We had to work hand-in-hand for two years to complete this – but everyone made it happen.”

The installation of the new DAS system at the San Diego Convention Center is just one of several technology upgrades Smart City Networks has recently completed as part of its continued mission to deliver peace of mind and a better experience to convention center managers across the country. Most recently, Smart City completed a system-wide project to increase the capacity and speed on its wireless networks at 39 convention centers nationwide. The company is also in the process of rolling out upgrades to improve the telephone systems and technical support at their facilities and venues.